In the early 2000s, Matthew McConaughey was a bona fide movie star and a hunky household name. That would satisfy most actors, but McConaughey wanted something more. For the past couple of years, he has slowly been reshaping his career, eschewing lighthearted rom-coms for hard-hitting indie films. It's a unique transformation that seems to be working, with the upcoming 'Dallas Buyers Club' earning serious Oscar buzz. USA TODAY's Yohana Desta takes a look at McConaughey's silver screen makeover. Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

McConaughey's first film role was in the Richard Linklater-directed cult classic 'Dazed and Confused.' He played Wooderson, a slightly creepy guy who just wants to relive his high school glory days. Gabor Szitanyi, Gramercy Pictures

In 1996, the fledgling actor grabbed the lead as the good-guy lawyer in the John Grisham adaptation, 'A Time to Kill,' starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Sandra Bullock. Christine Loss, Warner Bros.

Fast forward to 2001. With more serious films under his belt, he switches things up with his first romantic comedy, 'The Wedding Planner.' The film, co-starring Jennifer Lopez, is a critical flop, but does well with audiences. Ron Batzdorff, Columbia Pictures

Action time! The actor completely changed his look for the role of Denten Van Zan in 'Reign of Fire.' Starring alongside Christian Bale and Gerard Butler, the film was a cash cow, but was generally disliked by critics. Patrick Dowling, Touchstone Pictures

But enough of that action stuff -- back to the rom-coms. He starred opposite Kate Hudson in the sugary-sweet 'How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.' Audiences bought tickets like crazy, despite lackluster reviews. Michael Gibson, Paramount Pictures

He slid back into action for 2005's 'Sahara,' but even his rom-com glory couldn't drag audiences to the theaters. The film was a flop. Keith Hamshere, Paramount

'Two for the Money' was next on his plate, a drama co-starring the legendary Al Pacino. But money was not in the flick's future -- moviegoers ignored it, while reviewers tore it apart. Douglas Curran, Universal Pictures

But hey, none of that stopped 'People' magazine from naming him the Sexiest Man Alive! McConaughey's manly mug graced the mag's November 2005 cover. People

He stuck to the easy-money rom-com formula, starring in 'Failure to Launch' opposite Sarah Jessica Parker. It cashed in big time at the box office, but was loathed by reviewers. Frank Masi, Paramount Pictures

In between all the moviemaking, McConaughey managed to start a family. He and girlfriend Camila Alves welcomed baby Levi in 2008, posing on the cover of 'OK!' magazine. OK Magazine

In 2010, the couple welcomed baby girl Vida and then another son, Livingston, in 2012. Here, the family strolls around Disneyland in 2011. Handout Getty Images

The final rom-com: Before McConaughey stepped away from the familiar genre in order to revamp his career as a serious actor, he starred in 'The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' alongside Jennifer Garner. Just like his last films, it ruled the box office, despite a poorly executed plot. Warner Bros.

In 2010, the actor snagged the lead in 'The Lincoln Lawyer.' McConaughey was praised for his performance, the first of many critically lauded films to come. Saeed Adyani, AP

He follows that up with an acclaimed role in 'Mud' as a man on the run from bounty hunters. The film also stars young actors
Jacob Lofland, left, and Tye Sheridan. James Bridges, Gannett

In 2012, he played the titular role in the dark comedy crime movie 'Killer Joe,' directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin, and written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts. How's that for stepping it up? Skip Bolen, LD Entertainment

Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh soon came calling, casting McConaughey as a cowboy stripper in 'Magic Mike.' Not only did it receive great reviews, it did so well at the box office that a sequel is currently in talks. McConaughey also snagged an Independent Spirit Award for his role. There was also Oscar buzz surrounding his role, but it eventually fizzled out. Anne Marie Fox, Millenium Entertainment

The real gamechanger: McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a homophobic drug addict with HIV in the upcoming 'Dallas Buyers Club.' Like many actors before him, McConaughey lost a serious amount of weight for the part, shedding 50 pounds to play the real-life Woodroof. Anne Marie Fox, AP

'Dallas Buyers Club' is already racking up serious Oscar buzz for McConaughey and co-star Jared Leto, left, who plays a transgender character named Rayon. Anne Marie Fox, Focus Features

Next up for the critically transformed actor is a starring role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio seen here in 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' directed by none other than Martin Scorsese. Transformation complete. Paramount Pictures